Question: What would be the budgetary impact of converting the shuttle that runs on a regular schedule two days a week between the Mark Center bus stop and the Del Pepper Building to a vehicle that is available during business hours for residents who need help traveling between the bus stop and the building to call for as needed? Under such an arrangement, what options could be considered to save further money? (Councilman McPike)

Response: 

There would be costs associated with the provision of a vehicle that is available during business hours for residents who need help traveling between the bus stop and the building to call for as needed. That service would require both an on-call driver to respond to requests for rides and a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The only wheelchair accessible vehicles currently in the City’s fleet are buses. General Services staff will continue to work with TES to determine what other options may be available at a low or free cost that are not already being offered by the City and Metro. 

Based on observed ridership, staff does not recommend the continuation of the existing shuttle bus service. Discontinuation of the existing shuttle bus service that currently operates two days per week, eight hours per day would result in a savings of $74,360 per year. In lieu of the shuttle service, residents who cannot utilize public transportation or have difficulty navigating the walk from the Mark Center Transit Center due to a disability currently have the option of utilizing the Alexandria DOT Paratransit Program from their residence to 4850 Mark Center Drive free of charge within the City of Alexandria or MetroAccess Paratransit for up to $4.00 per trip. 

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